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Zamora woodcat (Auchenipterichthys thoracatus) — Auchenipteridae

Zamora woodcat

Auchenipterichthys thoracatus
LC · Least Concern

The Zamora woodcat (Auchenipterichthys thoracatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America; rivers and floodplains.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The zamora woodcat is a driftwood catfish (Auchenipteridae) from South America. The species has a stocky, dark body with pale spots, an adipose fin, barbels and stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines. It lives near the bottom in rivers and floodplains and shelters among driftwood and roots by day. Nocturnally it feeds on insects, small crustaceans and plant matter. The stout fin spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Zamora woodcat?

The Zamora woodcat has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark with pale spots; nocturnal wood catfish that shelters in driftwood, stinging fin spines.

Where does the Zamora woodcat live?

The Zamora woodcat lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; rivers and floodplains.

How big does the Zamora woodcat get?

The Zamora woodcat grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Zamora woodcat dangerous to humans?

No, the Zamora woodcat is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.

Is the Zamora woodcat edible?

The Zamora woodcat is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Zamora woodcat sourced
Scientific name
Auchenipterichthys thoracatus
Family
Auchenipteridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America; rivers and floodplains. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, small crustaceans and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Dark with pale spots; nocturnal wood catfish that shelters in driftwood, stinging fin spines. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
Not venomous, but the stout pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Auchenipteridae

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